The Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Accountancy, Management, Computing, and Information Studies (SAMCIS) held its annual General Assembly on 05 September 2025 at the Maryheights Campus, embracing the theme: “Breathe, Create, Grow: Embracing Balance and Renewal.”
The event was designed to cultivate a spirit of rejuvenation, creativity, and connection among faculty members through a series of wellness-centered activities and institutional updates.
Faculty members were invited to participate in at least one of several thoughtfully curated sessions, each led by esteemed professionals and creatives:
- Yoga with Camille Angela Bonnieve, a highly respected licensed yoga teacher known for her gentle yet empowering approach to wellness
- Painting with Ronald De Leon, one of Baguio’s celebrated artists whose expressive style inspired participants to explore their inner creativity
- Pastry Making with Chef Chariz Ancheta, whose expertise in baking brought warmth and sweetness to the assembly
- Cuisine with Chef Angel Mendoza, offering a flavorful journey through culinary techniques and shared stories
- Floral Arrangements with Ma’am Chit Florentin, whose graceful guidance turned blooms into symbols of balance and beauty
The assembly also featured insightful updates and talks that deepened the community’s shared understanding and engagement.
The Center for Counseling and Wellness (CCW) introduced a new initiative on personality testing, offering faculty a chance to reflect on their individual strengths and interpersonal dynamics. The session emphasized how self-awareness can enhance collaboration, teaching effectiveness, and overall well-being.
The Research, Innovation, and Social Engagement (RISE) Center shared exciting developments in research and extension programs, highlighting ongoing projects, new partnerships, and opportunities for faculty involvement. These updates underscored SAMCIS’s commitment to thought leadership and community impact.
The event opened with a heartfelt welcome from SAMCIS Dean Glory I. Dela Peña, who reflected on the previous academic year’s challenges and triumphs. “Academic Year 2024–2025 was filled with challenges—demands from accreditation, the continuous adaptation to the changing educational landscape, and the ever-present responsibility of preparing our students for a complex and competitive world. We, as a community, stood strong and resilient, and our efforts bore fruit in the form of remarkable achievements,” she shared. Dean Dela Peña concluded her address with a powerful message to the faculty: “Let us embrace this new year with courage, creativity, and collaboration. Let us be guided by our collective vision: to build a future where excellence is not just a goal, but a standard—shaping professionals who lead, innovate, and inspire.”
The General Assembly was more than a gathering—it was a celebration of the SAMCIS community’s enduring commitment to growth, excellence, and unity, reminding everyone that wellness, creativity, and shared purpose are essential companions in the pursuit of academic and personal success. This activity is aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), and 17 (Partnership for the Goals). (Article and Photos by SCHEMA)
